Photo by Patric McGuinness.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

UBER'S FAKE CAR MAP TO MAKE PEOPLE THINK THEIR ARE CARS NEAR THEIR LOCATION

If you use Uber, you’ve seen the map that comes up when you want a ride. The map shows little car graphics hovering adorably around your location and the wait time for a pickup. Once you request a ride, you can watch a little car creep closer to your destination as you wait. It’s a marvel of technology! Except it’s bullshit.

Alex Rosenblat and Luke Stark, researchers studying Uber’s user interaction, discovered that the map Uber shows passengers of its available local drivers isn’t very accurate/may be intentionally misleading. I know—Uber, doing something sketchy?! We inhabit a wild world. But read on:

Rosenblat interviewed Uber drivers as research, including an Uber driver “Heather” who noticed that the passenger map wasn’t showing correct information, and published an account on Motherboard:

When Heather asked an Uber Help staff member, however, she was told that the rider map was just a “screen saver.”

“The app is simply showing there are partners on the road at the time,” the staffer wrote in an email. “This is not a representation of the exact numbers of drivers or their location. This is more of a visual effect letting people know that partners are searching for fares.”

“I know this seems a misleading to you but it is meant as more of a visual effect more than an accurate location of drivers in the area. It would be better of you to think of this as a screen saver on a computer.”

A screen saver on a computer! What a fantastic excuse. The next time anyone tells me, “Kate, the blog post you wrote is bad and you are bad,” I am going to say, “It would be better of you to think of this as a screen saver on a computer.” Ditto for if I accidentally make a seXXXt-tweet, Anthony Weiner style. “Excuse me. It is just a screen saver on a computer my friends, carry on.”

There are two different maps that Uber drivers can see: The driver map, which shows where people are requesting rides, and the passenger version, which ostensibly shows passengers where cars are but is apparently a screen saver on a computer.

Since Uber drivers have access to the driver app map as well as the passenger version, they can check the discrepancy between the two. Drivers have been wondering about why Uber puts “phantom” or “ghost” cars on passengers’ maps for a while. In one of many driver forum threads about the “ghost cars,” a driver said that Uber claimed it was just a technical issue:

This came up in our weekly virtual Uber webinar. They claim this is a new technical issue and are looking into it. Yeah, just like the ETA’s doubling after accepting it. Funny how all these ‘technical issues’ work in Uber’s favor and against drivers.

Another driver suspects that Uber was putting their car on the passenger map, even when they were signed out and not working as a driver:

When I logged onto the rider app lat night it showed a car parked right in front of my building. It had to have been my car and I was not logged on as a driver. The ghost car was almost exactly where my car was parked. CREEPY

“The map is as accurate as possible in the close vicinity of your location,” the representative wrote.

Other drivers haven’t been buying that, because they’re not stupid:

And now that this research corroborates suspicions that Uber is manipulating its passenger maps to make it look like there are more drivers, more Uber drivers are noticing:

Uber have been asked for clarification on its map/screen saver. I don’t know if we’ll get a straight answer about this, but there is a good reason why Uber would want to manipulate its passenger map results: When you open the app and see a bunch of available cars nearby, it makes it seem like it’s definitely the quickest way to get a ride, which makes Uber seem more attractive. But it's just a lie.

More Uber Myths:

Uber recently boasted that that had achieved 369% growth.

Thruth is they spent $885m to get $415 back in revenue.

Last year, when London Taxis drivers went protested about Uber's operation and TfLs woeful inadequacy, Uber boasted an increase in app downloads of 800%. Yet they only moved up 2 places on the App Store league table, from 56 to 54.

Source Gizmodo

App-based minicab service Uber is facing legal action over claims it is failing to provide basic rights to its drivers.

The GMB union will challenge the company's claim that its workers are partners rather than employees.

The union says Uber is breaching its duty on pay, holidays, and health and safety.

The firm says making drivers employees would mean losing their flexibility, which makes the job appealing.

'Substantial pay outs'

GMB, the union which represents professional drivers, has instructed the law firm Leigh Day to take action on behalf of members driving for Uber.

Nigel Mackay from the firm believes legal action could result in "substantial pay outs" for drivers: "We believe that it's clear from the way Uber operates that it owes the same responsibilities towards its drivers as any other employer does to its workers," he said.

"In particular, its drivers should not be denied the right to minimum wage and paid leave."

The GMB's Steve Garelick said: "Operators like Uber must understand that they have an ethical and social policy that matches society's expectations of fair and honest treatment."

Uber describes itself as a "pick-up" service that connects those needing a ride with a background-checked private driver, and takes a cut - typically 20% - of the fee.

In May, Transport for London reported the number of private hire vehicle licences had risen from 52,000 to 77,000 over the previous 12 months, and most of that increase down to new Uber drivers.

Legal action in the UK comes just weeks after a California court ruled a driver for Uber was an employee, not a contractor. Uber insisted the ruling only applied to the individual driver making the claim and said it would appeal the ruling. Classifying Uber drivers as employees would severely dent Uber's profits and likely lower its $40bn (£25.62bn) valuation.

Nigel Mackay went on yo say, it was time Uber took "responsibility" for its drivers and treated them as any other employer does.

"A successful legal action against Uber could see substantial pay outs for drivers, including compensation for past failures by the company to make appropriate payments to who we argue are their workers," he said

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Within just a few months they have managed to attract over 12,700 members, making them the biggest group this trade has ever had.

These people have put their hearts and soles into supporting the trade and on Friday 31st July, it will be our turn to show support for all the hard work they've put in on our behalf.

This is not a formal Taxi vehicle demonstration, it will be a peaceful, on-foot gathering of friends and families members of Taxi Drivers. There should be no police harassment, no numbers taken, no nasty letters from Palestra like with previous demonstrations.

Please don't let all their hard work go unsupported. Come along at 2 pm on Friday to Windsor House and bring your friends and family. There will be free T-shirts for kids (on a first come basis)

Let's make this the biggest protest TfL have ever seen.

.

In all my years as a licensed Taxi driver, I have never seen a petition raised by the trade with more than just a few hundred signatures.

The Save Our Black Taxi Petition is nearing 10,000 signatures. If you can't make it on Friday, you can still help by getting your friends and family to sign the online petition.

Friday, December 14, 2012, TfL issued another meaningless notice

The Mayor Boris Johnson, will be seeking ban on dangerous pedicabs

• the Mayor’s call was supported by businesses and safety campaigners• these unsafe pedicab Vehicles have a disproportionate effect on congestion, with drivers frequently arrested for obstruction and dangerous driving

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) called for a change to legislation that would allow them to effectively ban dangerous pedicabs in the capital.

Ends

So what happened back then. What stopped the Mayor and his legal eagles going after pedicabs ?

He insisted it was fair because he was pedalling uphill along Oxford Street

Russian claimed he arrived in the UK seven days ago on a tourist visa

Police officer told driver he was 'exploiting tourists' and 'ripping them off'

If Mr Dzjabovic is here on a Tourist Visa he should not be working.

Why haven't the UK Boarder Agency arrested and deported him ?

How many more rickshaw riders are ripping off tourists while illegally working on a tourist or student visa ?

Over to you Boris

Boris, giving his wife a backsie

So Where Did It All Fall Down?

Under project Horizon, priorities at TfL's Victoria based HQ shifted dramatically, panels scrutinised and the floodgates for more change were firmly wedged open.

TfL set about streamlining its legal Panel, announcing in October 2012 that it would be cutting outside legal consultancies, from 12 to 11 firms. Not too drastic you'd think, but at the same time replacing the elite Bird & Bird, Clifford Chance, Manches and Travers Smith with a cheaper alternative set; Lewis Silkin, SNR Denton (now Dentons) and Trowers & Hamlin.

Director of Legal at TfL Angrea Clark

“We are keen to have firms that appreciate the challenges we face,” (legal speak for cheap) added Andrea Clarke, director of legal at Transport for London. “We look for people who take a pragmatic and collaborative approach.”

TfL shaved the areas in which it employed the help of external lawyers to purely commercial projects, property, employment and litigation matters.

All this fat trimming reduced external spend to between £12m and £15m per year, a saving of approx £3m a year.

But when you plump for cheap, it comes at a cost as TfL was soon to find out.

2012 also saw the defeat of TfL's legal team by Diamond Chauffeurs ltd.

Even after the company were caught blatantly on film touting, TfL's cut price team lost to a high court appeal and just left it at that.

After waiting almost twelve years to get a water tight, open and shut case against a PH operator openly touting outside a satellite office (licensed or otherwise), the then Director and Deputy Director of LTPH, set their sights on Diamond Chauffeurs Ltd.

Unfortunately, their cut price legal team subsequently lost the "open and shut case".

Observers at the hearing was stunned by TfL's legal team's lack of preparation.

This was the turning point:

Little phased by the effect on the Taxi trade in general, TfL now operate a more loose approach to PH licensing, as we now are starting to find out to our cost.

Issues abound, such as the ease in which Uber became and stays licensed. Also back in 2012, RD2's acquired multiple license variations (satellite office licenses), without the requirement of being in business for the minimum period under TfL policy.

After a series of lies about RD.2 (from the ex Director of LTPH) were disproved, TfL finally changed their stance and stated it is not a legal requirement, but just guidelines.

-RD2.com received all their licence variations on the same day they registered as a brand new operator.

This unit of 76 lawyers plus top TfL management Howard Carter, have now looked at the running of American company Uber and so far, can't decided between themselves if this company is operating legally or not and have had to seek judicial opinion, which (in our opinion) they will loose.

In all the years as administrator to the Taxi and Private Hire trade, and with their hand picked (cheap) team of 76 lawers plus 11 outside legal consultants, TfL have only ever publicised one victory against a PH driver (who incidentally, pleaded guilty) for illegally plying for hire.

Every now and then the carefully prepared script is rolled out by someone from TfL giving the amount of arrests for touting since 2011.

But they never give the amount of convictions!

Fact is the totally number of convictions is just a minute fraction of the arrests, most of whom are given a verbal warning or they contest the charge and get off. Either way, very few actually get their livcence revoked.

That's the trouble with lawers, they don't come cheap. You pay peanuts...you get monkeys.

The only problem facing minicabs touts today, is where to illegally ply for hire from.

The choice seems endless as LTPH have dished out satellite office licenses like sweets to hungry kids.

As for touting detection and arrest, a minicab driver has more chance of winning the Nationsl Lottery than being done for illegally plying for hire, FACT.

£15m per year of tax payers money, 76 lawyers, 11 outside legal consultants and in Leon Daniels own words, they've had to ask someone smarter.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Detectives from Kensington and Chelsea are appealing for help to identify two witnesses six months after a black cab driver was seriously assaulted.

On Monday, 26 January, at approximately 02:20 hrs, a 62-year-old black cab driver was working when he was hailed by a man and a woman in their early 20s in the vicinity of Brompton Square near Harrods.

The cab driver, who does not wish to be named, stopped and agreed to take the couple to Addison Gardens in Kensington.

Following the journey of three or four miles, the man paid the fare of £20 and the pair then left the cab in Lower Addison Gardens. As they left the cab, the driver noticed that the woman had been sick in the back of his cab at some stage during the journey. He suggested to the man that they should clear up the mess or give him an extra £45 to pay for the cleaning of the cab.

The cab driver has no recollection of what happened next but when he regained consciousness he was badly injured and his clothing was covered in blood. He managed to drive home where his son took him to hospital for treatment. He had sustained multiple fractures around his eye socket.

Officers were called to the hospital where they began an investigation.

Detective Constable Simon Jewell, from Kensington and Chelsea CID, said: "The victim's injuries are consistent with having been repeatedly kicked or punched in the head. This would appear to be a vicious attack on a 62-year-old man who has only recently been able to return to work.

"We have released a photo of the cab driver in hospital taken from a Body Worn Camera in the hope that this will encourage people to come forward with information to help the investigation.

"We are appealing for anyone who can help us to identify the couple, a white man and woman in their early 20s, who caught the cab in the early hours on Monday, 26 January from the vicinity of Brompton Square to Lower Addison Gardens.

"We'd particularly like to speak to the residents of Lower Addison Gardens and Addison Gardens who may have heard noise at approximately 02:30 hrs on Monday, 26 January or may even have witnessed the assault."

If you have any information about this incident please call police on 020 8246 0217 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

At a set time EVERY day (perhaps 3pm?) taxi drivers who want to protest could drive to their nearest preselected roundabout. It may be at Waterloo, Vauxhall, Aldwych, Parliament Sq, Old St, Hogarth ,Uxbridge or anywhere else in London.

Protesters would then stay on the roundabout driving slowly for 15-20 minutes.

No Police Notice is required as this is not a formal protest on foot.

No Trade org has to put their name to it as its just a viral protest organised by word of mouth/twitter etc.

The protest is controlled by the individuals who protest and not by any Trade Orgs who may have been influenced to stop it.

The protests will continue every day until the media clearly reports the message and the objective is achieved.

There is no requirement for anyone to engage in negotiation; the protests stop when the message of corruption is properly reported by the media and the objectives met.

THE SIMPLE MESSAGE-CORRUPTION.

The message to the media is that the protest is about the corruption of Boris Johnson and TFL and their failure to comply with Public Law on ALL issues.

THE SIMPLE OBJECTIVE

1/ That the Government intervenes and stops all improper practices IMMEDIATELY.

That includes an immediate suspension of uncontrolled issuance of new Private Hire Licenses, and immediate suspension of Ubers Operators License (until its proven that they meet the existing legal and regulatory requirements) and an immediate suspension of the Taxi Age Limit (until its proven that it meets with the requirements of Public Law)

2/ An urgent and fully Independent Inquiry is set up to investigate the improper and unlawful conduct of TFL and Boris Johnson with the objective of setting up a proper and fair system of management for London Taxis which complies fully with Public Law.

The protest is controlled by the individuals who protest and is not by any Trade Org who may have been influenced to stop it !

There is no requirement for anyone to engage in negotiation !

The protests stop when the message is properly reported by the media and the objectives met !

In the next few weeks many taxi drivers will be sitting around for most of their day anyway, so it would be a good use of their time to spend 15-20 minutes protesting every day.

See the Video below:

It shows how much chaos was created in a 30 minute hit on the St Johns Wood roundabout in 2011. Traffic congestion was reported as far back as Hyde Park Corner, within 20 minutes. By 30 minutes the congestion was so bad, police were order to back up the protest.

These carefully organised hits will not use up much fuel or time by protesting close. Just go to the nearest one, wherever they happen to be at that time.

It shouldn't take much for the Taxi Protests to get noticed, given the current mess that Johnson and TFL have made of London’s roads. The media could be fully briefed.

EDITORIAL NEWS FLASH:

Just as we posted this article, we received a report from Twitter that the UCG have requested an all org meeting to discuss an action plan, after TfL admitted to processing nearly 2,000 New PH licenses in just 3 weeks.

TfL are currently adding £750,000 a month from new PH licence fees to their coffers.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Uber sued for £198m by Canadian taxi drivers

As part of their current marketing campaign, Uber Toronto has input a roadside breathalyser in which clients can determine whether they are fit for driving or not. If your blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, an Uber vehicle will be sent to your location for pick up.

Many Canadian Taxi drivers are worried that this is a forerunner of an unmanned online satellite booking office, taking the need for a smart phone out of the equation.

As within London, some Canadian government officials continue to support the mobile app company's business model.

Uber are now facing a multi million dollar legal action by taxi drivers in Canada's biggest cities.

The drivers are seeking C$400m ($307m; £198m) in damages and an injunction to stop the taxi-booking app from operating in the province of Ontario.

The action alleges that services like Uber X and Uber XL have created an "enormous marketplace" for illegal transportation in the city.

These services use contract drivers who are not licensed taxi operators.

The legal action was filed by law firm Sutts, Strosberg LLP and named cab driver Dominic Konjevic as the plaintiff.

The firm said the case represents all taxi drivers and companies in the province but if a judge agrees to hear the case, drivers and companies can choose not to be involved.

Legal battles

The move comes after a provincial court had rejected the city's bid to stop Uber's services in Toronto earlier this month, citing there was no evidence it operated as a taxi broker.

Uber has responded by saying the "protectionist" lawsuit is without merit.

"As we saw from a recent court ruling in Ontario, Uber is operating legally and is a business model distinct from traditional taxi services," a spokeswoman told Reuters on Thursday.

Uber's app allows passengers to request rides from drivers in the area and its fares are generally lower than those of traditional taxis. It also offers ride-sharing options.

The San Francisco-based firm has been embroiled in legal battles around the world over its operations.

A confirmation tweet has been sent to the LCDC, from TfLs @TfLTPH Twitter account, stating that in a 3 week period from Monday 22nd of June to Friday 10th July, TfL licensed 1,914 "new PH drivers", plus 2,176 "new PH vehicles" were plated. In the same 3 week period, just 62 new Taxi driver licenses were issued and 95 new Taxi vehicles were plated.

An insider at Windsor House has told Taxi Leaks that TfL are actively escalating the process to get as many new PH drivers and vehicles out there as physically possible.

Taxi drivers are having to wait months for licence renewals, while its alleged staff at TfL are prioritising PH applications.

A French Taxi driver, replied to the LCDC tweet saying that in the period between 1st January and July 25th 2015, their police department authorised just 1,114 in the whole of France !

MP Tom Watson wants no direct action from London Taxi orgs while Parliament shuts down for a 2 month recess.

But by the time Parliament resits, another 5,104 PH drivers will have been licensed and out on the street working for Uber.

This will see another £1.5m in PH driver licence fees alone, going into TfLs coffers.

FOLLOW THE MONEY.

It was Sir Peter Hendy, who personally oversaw the withdrewal of the traditional temporary Taxi licence which for many decades were issued to drivers waiting for licence renewals.

When asked why he had revoked temporary licenses, Hendy said it was to protect the public from Taxi drivers with many years of previous good character, who may be convicted while waiting for renewal to be issued. So in Sir Peter's eyes, Taxi drivers suddenly become a safety risk when their current licence expires.

Yet, PH drivers who arrive in London as asylum seekers are licensed to drive minicabs without having to undergo a criminal record check. You couldn't make it up !

Surely now Sir Peter has gone, the orgs that engage with TfL through the elite cabbies cabinet, should be up in arms at Windsor house, regularly banging on doors to get the temporary licence system for licensed Taxi drivers reinstated.